Auto Accidents and Police Chases

By Steve Charpentier on February 09, 2014

Speeding drivers can pose a number dangers to motorists and pedestrians alike. If one speeding motorist is dangerous, you can imagine what multiple speeding motorists can mean. A high-speed chase in particular can be very dangerous. If any injuries or deaths occur as part of a high-speed police chase, you will want our personal injury attorneys to be on your side so you can have your rights represented properly in a court of law.

Right now we'd like to consider high-speed chases and why accidents that occur during such pursuits need to be taken so seriously.

About High-Speed Chases

A high-speed chase is any sort of car chase in which a vehicle is pursued by law enforcement. The number of these kinds of pursuits can vary by state, though in a large and quite populous state such as Florida, there are hundred recorded annually.

The Chased Vehicle Poses a Major Danger

The person who is being pursued by law enforcement is often quite desperate, and hence willing to disregard traffic laws if it means being able to evade capture. Excessive speed, frequent lane changes, sudden swerving and turns, and so forth are all potential risks. Even driving against the flow of traffic and driving on the sidewalk are possible.

Law Enforcement Vehicles in Pursuit Are Similarly Dangerous

Even though law enforcement is on our side, our auto accident lawyers have noted incidents in which law enforcement vehicles have caused injuries and accidents to occur while in hot pursuit of a suspect. While a certain amount of legal leeway is allowed, law enforcement needs to be held accountable for any particularly dangerous incidents that they put other innocent motorists or pedestrians into.

Tips On Avoiding Serious Injury or Damage In Such Instances

For motorists who notice an approaching high-speed chase or oncoming sirens, be sure to pull to the side of the road and remain there. Give the fast vehicles the right of way. This will put you and your passengers out of harm's way. Essentially, this is the same thing that you would do if there was any sort of emergency vehicle coming your way.

If you are a bicyclist or a pedestrian who notices a high-speed chase approaching you, do your best to safely get away from the oncoming vehicles. This means getting off the road or out of the bike lane if you are a bicyclist. If you are a pedestrian, be sure to be out of the intersection and on the sidewalk.

How Our Legal Team Can Help You

It's estimated that 1 in 100 high-speed chases results in a fatality. Given these numbers, it's of the utmost importance that you meet with legal counsel following any sort of tragic injury or loss that comes about as a result of a high-speed pursuit. Our legal team will carefully examine your case and determine the best legal options to take given your needs. We are here for you so that you receive excellent counsel.

Learn More About Auto Accident Litigation

If you would like to learn more about your legal rights following a car accident of any kind, be sure to contact our Central Florida personal injury attorneys today. The entire team here looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you receive just compensation for any losses sustained and hardships that you have experienced.